Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Vijayanagara Empire was a center for high culture and literature.
Its most famous ruler, Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529), was a great patron of the arts and a scholar himself.
He is often referred to as 'Andhra Bhoja' due to his immense contributions to literature.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Krishnadeva Raya was the author of {Amuktamalyada}.
While the question describes it as a work on statecraft, it is primarily an epic poem written in Telugu (though it deals with a Tamil subject).
The poem tells the story of the Tamil Alvar saint Andal (Goda Devi) and her devotion to Lord Ranganatha.
Embedded within this religious narrative is a significant section on "Rajaneeti" or the art of governance.
In these verses, the King describes how a monarch should treat his subjects, manage the treasury, and maintain a strong spy network.
He emphasizes that a king's primary duty is the protection of the weak and the patronage of religion and culture.
His court was also famous for the 'Ashtadiggajas', or the eight great poets, including Tenali Rama.
- Harihara and Bukka were the founders of the empire in 1336.
- Devaraya II was a powerful Sangama ruler known for expanding the empire but was not the author of this specific text.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The work {Amuktamalyada} was written by the Tuluva king Krishnadeva Raya.
Thus, option (B) is correct.